Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Service Dog?A Service dog is a dog that has been specially trained to assist its handler with a disability, whether physical or psychological.

What does a Service Dog do?Service dogs have specialized training; in addition to normal obedience behaviours, they perform specific tasks for their owners.

For individuals with mobility disorders, for example, service dogs may wear a harness to stabilize the handler while walking, pull a wheelchair, and retrieve items.

For individuals with PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder), service dogs may be trained to "cover me" (stand behind their handler in public, creating space and stopping others from surprising them from behind). PTSD dogs are also taught alert behaviours; when they detect their handler is becoming anxious or going into a dissociative state, the dog will alert its handler so that the handler can leave the situation, or help bring the handler back to the present. Alert behaviours are often very subtle to outsiders - dogs are often trained to press their heads on the handler's foot, or to sit and put their heads on their handler's leg.

Service dogs that alert handlers to imminent seizures or changes in blood sugar (epilepsy or diabetic alert dogs) are other examples of service dogs that may be working for someone without an obvious physical problem.

Do I need a prescription?Service dogs for psychological assistance require a prescription from a mental health professional, stating how a service dog would help and that the recipient is stable enough to assume care of the dog. All other conditions require a letter of benefit from a medical professional.

How can I get a service dog?The first step is to contact us by email and describe your needs and how a service dog could help you. After a discussion about expectations on both sides, an application will be emailed to the potential candidate and once it is received, the person goes on the wait list. When we believe that we have a dog in training that could suit your needs, you will be contacted to set up a preliminary interview. There will be a substantial waiting period.

How much does a service dog cost?We estimate the care and training of a service dog costs approximately $38,000. The recipient of a service dog is expected to make a contribution to the Society at a value of $6,000. The contribution must be paid in full by certified cheque by the 20th placement lesson. The Society is not a registered charity with Canada Revenue Agency and therefore is unable to provide the recipient with a charitable receipt.

How do I get the funding for the contribution value to the Society?The recipient of the service dog must do their own fundraising or have financing in place for the contribution to the Society.

Can I adopt a service dog?All the service dogs that are working are owned by MSSDS President. You have the opportunity to adopt your service dog after it retires from service dog work.

I am looking for a therapy dog or emotional support dog.MSSDS does not train therapy dogs or emotional support dogs.

I have a puppy that I would like to train to be my service dog. How do I start the process?If your puppy is under 10 months of age, start basic obedience with a qualified trainer who uses positive reinforcement. We can make trainer suggestions, depending on your location. At about 10 months old, we will complete a Behaviour Health Assessment on your dog. If the dog passes, you can start training with one of our qualified trainers once you have submitted a prescription or letter of benefit (depending on your condition). It takes approximately 2 years for an owner to train their own dog from start to certification.

I have a 3 year old dog I would like to train to become my service dog. What is the process?Unfortunately, we will not help an owner train a dog this old. It takes an owner approximately 2 years to train their own dog to certification and the working life of the dog will be too short.

I trained my dog to be a service dog and want him certified.Unfortunately, we will not certify dogs that have not been trained and tested by MSSDS.

Why should we not pet or talk to a service dog?When a service dog is in uniform (wearing its vest), it is working and must not be distracted. Even when it appears to be resting at its handler's feet, the dog is on duty. It must remain focused on its handler, ready to alert to a problem or perform a behaviour to assist its handler. Distracting a service dog on duty could potentially risk the health of its handler, if the dog then fails to perform its task or alert.

Does a service dog work all the time?When a service dog is out of uniform (not wearing its vest), it is like any other dog. Being on alert all of the time is hard work, so it is essential that service dogs also have lots of exercise and play, and just be dogs.

Can I adopt a retired service dog or one who did not complete the program?Absolutely! Send us an email describing your daily routines and activities, family, housing situation and we will put you on a list for potential adopters. When we have a dog who needs a home, we can contact you to let you know.

How can I help?Donations are gratefully accepted, as is help with fundraising activities, education and awareness, etc. Send an email to maritimeservicedogs@gmail.com for more information on how to help us.